Riesling
⏳ Drinking Window
2022 - 2030
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
roasted pork, grilled white fish, aged goat cheese
✨ Technical Specifications
Hailing from the prestigious Grand Cru slopes of Alsace, this Riesling represents the pinnacle of Schieferkopf's terroir-driven philosophy. The estate's plots are situated on rare, ancient schist formations—specifically the Steige schist of the Grand Cru Kastelberg—which is unique in Alsace. This dark, heat-retaining rock forces the vines to dig deep for nutrients, imparting a signature saline tension and profound mineral complexity to the wine. Historically, Alsace's Grand Cru vineyards have been celebrated since the Middle Ages, where noble families and monastic orders recognized the superior quality of these sun-drenched hillsides. Crafted with biodynamic principles, this dry Riesling undergoes slow fermentation and aging on its fine lees, resulting in a structured, powerful white wine that balances vibrant, laser-like acidity with notes of white peach, citrus zest, and a distinct, smoky petrol character that develops beautifully over time.
🍾 About the Producer
Established in 2006 by Rhône vigneron Michel Chapoutier alongside a circle of wine-loving friends, Domaine de Schieferkopf represents a focused inquiry into the mineral-rich terroirs of the Rhine basin. The estate's core Alsatian plots encompass eight hectares perched at approximately 350 to 380 meters elevation around the communes of Bernardvillé and Reichsfeld. This terroir is celebrated for hosting Alsace’s only vein of Precambrian blue schist, set on steep, south-to-southeast-facing slopes. Viticulture is certified organic, while winemaking in the cellar emphasizes purity and restraint. Following gentle pneumatic pressing and settling, fermentations proceed via indigenous ambient yeasts before aging predominantly in traditional neutral oak foudres. Notably allowing complete malolactic fermentation, Schieferkopf softens taut natural acidity while teasing out extraordinary mineral depth, tension, and maritime salinity. Benchmark bottlings include single-vineyard expressions such as Riesling Lieu-dit Fels, Lieu-dit Berg, Lieu-dit Buehl, and Riesling Via Saint-Jacques.
🍇 Grapes
Riesling
🍷 ABV
12.5-13.5%